mineral
Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (Quartz variety), SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, pale yellow to brownish-orange color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no cleavage.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Citrine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, pale yellow to brownish-orange color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes, igneous pegmatites, or metamorphism, often resulting from the natural or heat-treated irradiation of iron-bearing quartz.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a popular gemstone in jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a collector mineral.
Geological facts
Natural citrine is relatively rare; most commercial citrine is actually heat-treated amethyst or smoky quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinct yellow color, high hardness, and lack of cleavage. Found globally, with significant deposits in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
